Senior Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health and wellness benefits

Pension contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist with a specialization in Predictive Analytics in Centurion. You will build predictive models on large datasets to forecast trends, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks across business units.

You will translate analytical findings into business value and partner with leaders and engineering teams. The role requires 5-7 years of hands-on data science experience, proficiency in Python or R and SQL, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field.
• 5-7 years hands-on experience in data science and predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R and SQL.
• Extensive experience with statistical modeling and ML algorithms.
• Strong data visualization skills and ability to communicate insights.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy predictive models using statistical and ML techniques.
• Analyze large datasets to identify patterns and insights.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define KPIs for predictive modeling.
• Prepare data and ensure data quality for modeling.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior data scientists and share best practices.

Skills

Python

SQL

R

Data Visualization

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Statistics/Data Science/CS/Mathematics

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Pandas/Numpy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist with a specialization in Predictive Analytics to join their dynamic team in Centurion. You will leverage vast datasets to build sophisticated predictive models that forecast trends, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks across various business units. This role is critical in driving data-informed decision-making and unlocking actionable insights. You will work closely with business leaders and engineering teams to translate complex analytical findings into tangible business value, contributing to strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced predictive models using statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify patterns, trends, and actionable insights relevant to business objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define key performance indicators and metrics for predictive modeling success.
• Clean, transform, and prepare data for analysis and model building, ensuring data integrity and quality.
• Communicate complex analytical results and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's analytical capabilities and best practices.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of hands‑on experience in data science and predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and SQL.
• Extensive experience with statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Strong understanding of data visualization tools and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexible work location.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous pension fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.